More than half of Arkansas is in exceptional drought status, which is the U.S. Drought Monitor's most severe classification.

The map, released Thursday, says the exceptional drought covers nearly all of northern and central Arkansas and stretches into the southwest part of the state. The maps says more than 53 percent of Arkansas is in exceptional drought. That's compared with 44 percent a week ago.

The drought monitor says another 27 percent of Arkansas is in extreme drought. The remainder of the state is in severe drought with less than 4 percent of Arkansas classified as moderate drought.

The National Weather Service says the map factors in rainfall received through 6 a.m. Tuesday.